Chase Elliott has officially removed himself from contention for the 2027 NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award, a decisive move that ends his unprecedented eight-year reign. The Hendrick Motorsports driver announced his withdrawal to the National Motorsports Press Association as voting opened on October 23, explicitly encouraging fans to direct their support toward the late Kyle Busch. This strategic decision ensures the award, which recognizes fan favorite status, honors the memory of the two-time Cup Series champion rather than continuing Elliott’s historic dominance.
Hendrick Motorsports star breaks eight-year streak to honor late legend’s legacy.
Elliott’s departure from the ballot follows the tragic passing of Kyle Busch on May 21, leaving the 30-year-old driver to make a poignant tribute to his late rival. Busch, who accumulated 63 career victories and two Cup Series titles, remains eligible for the honor posthumously. By stepping aside, Elliott prevents the award from becoming a formality and instead transforms it into a memorial tribute, allowing the NASCAR community to celebrate Busch’s enduring impact on the sport after his unexpected death.
This gesture mirrors a historic precedent set by Elliott’s father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, in 2001. Following Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash during the Daytona 500, Bill removed himself from consideration, allowing Earnhardt to receive the final honor of his career. While Bill eventually finished his career with a record 16 Most Popular Driver awards, his 2001 decision is widely regarded as one of the most respectful acts in NASCAR history. Chase Elliott, speaking at Talladega Superspeedway, cited his deep respect for his father’s legacy as the primary motivation for his own decision to prioritize Busch’s memory over his personal accolades.
Source: Yahoo Sports
